The Marine Corps is set to send small logistics drones to every logistics battalion by 2028, as part of an effort to make units lighter and more resilient. These drones, known as Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS), will be supplied to the Marine Corps Logistics battalions, with each battalion receiving three to six of these drones. The TRUAS drones can carry up to 150 pounds for nine miles, and are designed to deliver emergency supplies in environments where sending vehicles is too risky.
The TRUAS drone will be easy for Logistics Marines to operate, with training possible in just a few days. The Marine Corps plans to eventually field larger drones capable of carrying up to 600 pounds for longer distances. The experience gained from certifying TRUAS for flight will help expedite the fielding of these medium-lift drones. The Corps is working to train officials on the policies and procedures for using logistics drones, with the goal of making the process seamless when larger drones are deployed.
There are still decisions to be made about the qualifications needed to pilot the medium-lift drones. Competitors like Kaman’s Kargo drone are closer in size to small helicopters and can carry heavy loads. The Marine Corps aims to eventually have logistics drones capable of carrying thousands of pounds of gear. Assistant Commandant Gen. Christopher Mahoney has expressed the Corps’ long-term vision for their use.
